APUSH Period 2 ID's

Headright System

A system implemented to increase recruitment of settlers to North America starting in Virginia. The system provided 50 acres of land to anyone that paid for another person to travel across the Atlantic and settle, thus providing labor for the colonies and an increase in population.

• the people making the journey were then used as indentured servants for a period of 7 years before being allowed freedom.

• created a massive wealth imbalance as indentured servants lost years of income earning potential

Indentured Servant

A person that was responsible for repaying a financial debt by providing labor for the lender, usually for a period of 4-7 years. This served as the first form of labor in British North American colonies, but they were eventually replaced by the system of permanent African slavery around 1670.

Act of Toleration (1649)

An act passed in Maryland in 1649 that became the first document to grant religious freedom to all Christians in the colony, but called for the death of anyone who denied to divinity of Jesus.

• though later revoked, it is considered to be one of the first indications that the future of the US would guarantee freedom of religion

Mercantilism

An economic theory that a country’s wealth and power was determined by how much more it exports (sells) than it imports (bought). Mercantilist policies and goals are set by governmental leadership rather than individual citizens

• will soon give away to Capitalism which is based on the citizens decisions and personal goals

Navigational Acts (1651, 1660)

A series of laws established by the English crown which promoted mercantilist policies to enrich the British Empire. These policies include:

• trade to and from colonies can only be carried by English or colonial built ships

• goods imported into the colonies had to pass through ports in England

• specified goods could only be exported to England (ex. Tobacco)

Had the effect of increasing tensions b/w the British Empire and the North American colonies when they are enforced, which they often were not.

Salutary Neglect

An unofficial British policy by which the British laws were loosely or not enforced on American colonies and trade. However, it did help in establishing a more independent spirit within British colonies and led to increased tensions when Britiain begins to reverse the policy and exert more control.

• contributing factor to the American Revolution

Bacon’s Rebellion

Nathaniel Bacon led a group of men in rebellion against the Colonial Governor, William Berkeley, by fighting back against the Natives after Berkeley failed to act to protect the frontier settlements. After Bacon attacked tribes loyal to and protected by the Virginia government, Berkeley led an army against Bacon and his forces

• though Bacon won, the rebellion quickly fell apart after his death, and is now considered the first popular uprising in colonial history and shows to willingness of colonists to attack against perceived injustices

Zenger Case (1735)

In 1735, John Peter Zenger criticize New York’s royal governor and was tried to libel. Though his lawyer argued that Zenger printed the truth, the jury ignored the law and acquitted Zenger.

• This case is considered to be one of the first cases to encourage establishment of freedom of the press, and ullistrates the movement of Enlightenment ideals of free speech into the American colonies and serves as a precursor to the 1st amendment.

“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (1741)

A sermon written and delivered by Jonathan Edwards to teach his listeners about the horrors of hell and the danger of sin. The preaching of this sermon is a catalyst for the First Great Awakening—a religious revival centered around traveling preachers teaching of the dangers of sin and urging people to pursue faith.

• The First Great Awakening was a period of revival of spirituality and religious devotion between 1730 and 1770.